A long time ago, when men were alone and afraid on this new earth, the Great Being looked over all the dogs that had been created. He wanted that one special one, the one who would forever be the perfect companion for mankind.

There were fast dogs, long and sleek; there were massive dogs, slow but sure; dogs with keen noses, dogs with keen hearing and dogs who could hunt down lions. Dogs who could retrieve and dogs who could herd sheep. All of these were good dogs, but not what the Creator had in mind.

Finally, there was one dog. He looked rather plain. Medium to large sized and all black, with a head like a bear and no tail. The dog was to be tested to see if he was the one to be at man's side forever. And so, the plain, black "bear-like" dog was sent to man's fire. At first, the men feared him, but the dog looked down and said, "I am sent to be at your side, to be part of all that man does."

"You are black and strong, like a bear! What if you eat our children?" they asked.

"I would not do that," said the dog, "for I love man."

For three days and two nights, the dog went with man while he hunted and helped track down game. He protected their flocks and chased away the wild animals who sought to harm them. He pulled their loads and supplies, and guarded their valuables.

On the third night, a small girl came to him. She was frightened by dreams she had.

So, the plain black dog lay with her and his head rested gently upon her. As she dreamed of scary creatures, the dog entered her dreams and fought them off. If she dreamed she was lost in the darkest quicksand, the dog would run to her aid and pull her out. All night long, the dog never moved from the little girl's side. All night long he battled the demons in her sleep.

When she awoke, she tightly hugged her new friend and kissed him once on each cheek and above each eye. Her hands stroked his feet where he had waded in the quicksand, her arms hugged tightly his chest and stroked his powerful muzzle and throat. Giggling and playing with her new friend and protector, she even patted his behind. The child and dog became inseparable, and the dog felt only undying love for the child.

The Great Being then whispered in the dog's ear, "You have passed your test. For many dogs can hunt and guard and herd, but you were not only willing to give your life, you went into the world of man and entered his darkest dreams and fears. You did not run, but stayed by his side. You have earned the love of even the youngest child, as it should be."

When the Great Being's voice faded like a gentle breeze, the plain, black, tailless dog shivered with happiness, and all the places the little girl had touched and hugged him became a wonderful mahogany colour.

And the Rottweiler was sent to be at the side of man, where his place is. But always in his noble heart is a special place of love for the little ones --- the children.

J. Ellis, © 1999